40 years ago: Public invited to observe solar eclipse from KU observatory

A solar eclipse was coming up in a couple of days, and Lawrence residents who wished to view the event in safety were invited to the observatory at Kansas University. John Davidson, professor of physics, said that Lawrence was too far south to see very much of the eclipse, but that an image would be projected through the KU telescope in Lindley Hall. Optometry experts were warning the public that serious permanent eye damage could result from direct viewing of the eclipse. Safe ways of observing the event, other than visiting Lindley Hall, were suggested, such as making a "pinhole camera" or using two sheets of cardboard as a projection device.

Journal-World publisher Dolph C. Simons Jr. was planning to accompany the Kansas Democratic delegation to next week's national convention in Miami Beach. He would be sending back daily reports as he had for the past two Democratic conventions. Simons was also planning to file reports from the Republican convention in August.